Amy Smith, Berkshire
How my dad’s cancer journey has inspired us to help others
It was a huge shock when my Dad, Ray, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June 2016. Our lives were shattered.
My Dad was the hub of our family. He was an incredibly kind and generous man who enjoyed helping others. He was raised in Cheshire where he met my mum (at 16!), and later they moved to Berkshire once he qualified as an accountant to pursue his successful career and start their family. He enjoyed keeping forever busy with DIY projects, playing football and spending time with our family.
In 2016, Dad started experiencing discomfort and swelling in his abdomen which led him to visit the doctors. He was then referred to Frimley Park Hospital for further tests where he was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma – a rare form of bowel cancer found in the lining of the abdomen.
Although my Dad had undertaken regular bowel cancer screening tests, it appears this cancer was left undetected. Our family, including Dad, were so shocked about his stage 4 diagnosis. He had always been a fit and healthy man and was only 67, just enjoying his well-earned retirement.
We were also shocked that Dad’s cancer was related to asbestos exposure as my Dad hadn’t worked in a trade – he was obviously exposed during his DIY projects over the years.
Dad’s chemotherapy treatment started immediately to reduce/control his cancer ahead of his major operation in December 2016. Although the operation was partially successful, they were unable to remove all the cancer. We were then advised that if Dad could gain weight, he could have more chemotherapy treatment to target the remaining cancer.
During his illness, one of the biggest challenges we had was helping him to receive good nutrition to keep his energy up, and enough calories to help him gain weight to cope with cancer and the harsh treatments. He struggled to consume a conventional diet and we were introduced to meal supplements to boost Dad’s diet. Unfortunately, he didn’t find them palatable so most of them sat unused in our kitchen cupboard. We discovered that Dad found solace in ice lollies and loved a lemon and lime Calippo most days, something he found hydrating and refreshing.
Sadly we lost Dad in September 2017. Love’s last gift is remembrance, and my Dad will always be lovingly remembered.
Dad’s cancer journey inspired me and my partner to establish icesupp.com – a business built entirely from supporting my Dad. We’ve developed a plant-based, iced food supplement which contains protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is high in calories, aimed to energise, refresh and hydrate in times of need. Dad would’ve loved this, and we hope it will help others in the same situation.
